ISL 2018-19: 4 Reasons Why David James Deserved to be Sacked by Kerala Blasters

#2 Losing focus

Sandesh Jhingan's momentary lapse against NorthEast United [Image: ISL]

Out of the 12 games they have played, Blasters have managed one win and six draws.

A big reason why they were forced to split the points on six occasions - only Jamshedpur have seven draws - is because they are vulnerable in the last few minutes of the game.

CK Vineeth rescued Blasters twice - in the games against Delhi Dynamos and Jamshedpur FC - but there have been times that Blasters did not have enough firepower to push for the win.

They led against Bengaluru FC but ended up losing 1-2.

In a match that they can never forget, Blasters conceded two goals in injury time to lose 1-2 against NorthEast United. Sandesh Jhingan gave away an unnecessary penalty and then Juan Mascia of NEUFC produced a stunner to steal three points off Blasters last month.

But that really has been the story of Blasters - conceding late and being unable to pull the trigger when they have the chance.

After all, players get tired by the end of the game and aren't at their physical best. It's up to the manager - James in this case - to keep them going and inspire them further.

James, however, enjoys his place at the dugout with his assistant Hermann Hreidarsson performing the duties at the touchline.

Of course, every manager has his own way of operating but his players probably needed James at the touchline telling them what to do.